Mixed layer height retrievals using MicroPulse Differential Absorption Lidar

Colberg, Luke; Repasky, Kevin S.; Hayman, Matthew; Stillwell, Robert A.; Spuler, Scott M.

doi:https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-6069-2025

Articles | Volume 18, issue 21

https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-6069-2025

© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-18-6069-2025

© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Articles | Volume 18, issue 21

Research article

|

04 Nov 2025

Research article |

| 04 Nov 2025

Mixed layer height retrievals using MicroPulse Differential Absorption Lidar

Luke Colberg, Kevin S. Repasky, Matthew Hayman, Robert A. Stillwell, and Scott M. Spuler

Data sets

M2HATS - MPD Unfiltered data collection NCAR https://doi.org/10.26023/2286-1446-JV0E

M2HATS - Radiosonde data collection NCAR https://doi.org/10.26023/WKM7-HNCF-FX0B

M2HATS - MPD Denoised data collection NCAR https://doi.org/10.26023/Z6F4-1NVX-VX09

M2HATS - Doppler wind lidar data collection NCAR https://doi.org/10.26023/R75F-FGJ8-VG12

M2HATS - ISS surface meteorology data collection NCAR https://doi.org/10.26023/30XE-MB6C-SC14

M2HATS - ISFS flux product data collection NCAR https://doi.org/10.26023/HW9Z-MF0D-NX04

Model code and software

ColbergMontanaStateUniversity/mlh-amt2025 Luke Colberg https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15277859

Short summary

Two methods were developed to measure the mixed layer height, an important variable for weather forecasting and air quality studies. An aerosol-based method and a thermodynamic method were tested using a lidar system that can measure vertical profiles of aerosols, humidity, and temperature. Each method performed best under different conditions. Together, they provide a path toward more reliable mixed layer height monitoring with a single instrument.